Public Information Officer

Step into a role where your communication skills make a statewide impact. Join the team that keeps Wisconsin informed, connected, and prepared when it matters most.

The State of Wisconsin, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is hiring a Public Information Officer (Communications Specialist Senior). This position is located in the Joint Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street, Madison. Our convenient location is near Madison College and adjacent to the Dane County Regional Airport with access to major highways. Our facility includes a fantastic fitness center, indoor pickleball court, and free on-site parking.

The DMA provides essential, effective, and responsive military and emergency management capability for the citizens of our state and nation. During emergencies, no single organization can handle the response. The DMA consists of several organizations working together to plan, prepare, coordinate, and respond effectively when our communities and neighbors need us the most.

WEM builds capabilities and coordinates resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin. WEM is the state’s lead agency for coordinating effective disaster response and recovery efforts in support of local and tribal governments from natural and human‑caused/technological events. WEM works alongside local, tribal, state, and federal agencies as well as volunteer and private‑sector partners.

We offer an opportunity to engage with a team of dedicated professionals, with a truly worthwhile mission. DMA offers flexible schedules and great life/work balance. This position is eligible for limited telework after an initial training period. In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.

A casual atmosphere and flexible work schedules, depending on the position’s requirements.

Well Wisconsin Wellness Program: A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall wellbeing.

The Public Information Officer is responsible for assisting in organizing, developing and directing statewide programs vital to mitigating injuries, loss of life, and property for the citizens of Wisconsin. This position also assists with coordinating the division’s social media programs, joint information planning with external partners, and media campaigns that include press releases and media interviews.

This position will also assist the DMA Government Affairs Office in providing public information support to the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council (HLSC) and general agency public information operations. This includes developing press releases, speeches and coordinating media interviews.

Due to the emergency responsibilities of the Department, this position may require extensive field work, extended hours in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), and travel; and may be required to work holidays and weekends with little or no advance notice.

Starting pay is between $32.00 and $36.00 per hour. For current permanent state employees, pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.

In order to gain access to DMA facilities or air bases, and to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled, DMA will conduct a comprehensive background check.

Must have the ability to travel to various worksites throughout the state as needed.

This position will participate in emergency response exercises and may assist in the response to actual emergency situations, which may involve overnight travel, with little or no advance notice, for extended periods of time, including weekends and evenings.

The Department of Military Affairs does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United…